Taylor Ritzel Elected 2009-10 Captain

Jul 10, 2009

Two-Time Ivy And NCAA Champion

NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Taylor Ritzel, who has helped the Yale
varsity eight to two Ivy League and NCAA championships, has been
elected captain of the 2009-10 Bulldogs. Ritzel, a Larkspur, Colo.,
native, has sat in the varsity boat in each of her three seasons at
Yale. She was elected in a team vote held earlier this spring.

"Being elected captain by my team and having the opportunity to
serve at an institution like Yale is truly an honor," Ritzel said.
"The women that row for Yale and who I have the privilege of
leading next year are some of the most dedicated and incredible
people I have ever met. As captain, I hope to build on the
successes of this past season but also recognize that each year
brings new challenges and opportunities."

As a junior this spring, Ritzel stroked Yale to an Ivy League
and Eastern Sprints title, a fourth-place finish at the NCAA
Championships and a victory at the Henley Women's Regatta. In both
her freshman and sophomore years, the Bulldogs' varsity eight won
the NCAA title.

"Taylor will lead by example. She has won two Eastern Sprints
and two NCAA championships so she knows what it takes to
perform at the highest level," said Yale head coach Will Porter.
"She is organized and motivated to leave her mark on her senior
season."

Ritzel hopes to use what she learned from the previous captains
during her tenure at Yale, including Christina Person, who served
in 2008-09.

"I think each brought a unique force to the team that helped
define each season in a very positive way," Ritzel said. "This year
Christina did an excellent job and was able to lead the team to new
heights. I can't wait for what's in store next year."

In addition to the naming of the captain, the team award winners
were also announced. Tess Gerrand was the recipient of the Jenny
Kiesling Award. The Nat Case Award was presented to Rebecca Nadal.
Ritzel received the Anne Warner Award and Catherine McDermott was
presented with the Chris Ernst Award.